Noreau had three shots on a goal and was on the ice for 14:42 in Saturday's loss to Tampa Bay. He's likely to get extensive playing time with several defensemen hurt and the Wild looking toward next season after being eliminated from the playoffs, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Noreau has seven goals and 26 points in 45 games for Houston of the AHL. He was named to the AHL All-Star game for a second consecutive season, but the Wild have been hesitant to call him up due to his defense, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Noreau posted impressive offensive numbers during his junior career and as a Minnesota Wild prospect in the AHL, but he has played in just six career NHL games. He spent the 2011-12 season in the Swiss League and likely won't play in the NHL this coming season.

2011-12

Noreau's a wild card heading into training camp with New Jersey. Acquired from Minnesota, he's a talented offensive defenseman that led all AHL blue liners in scoring last year with 52 points coupled with a minus-7 rating and 60 penalty minutes. It's clear he can join the rush and chip-in offensively, but for him to have an impact with the Devils, he'll have to be positionally sound in the defensive zone. Typically, free-wheeling defensemen find adapting to life in New Jersey difficult, so keep an eye on his progress. Also compounding his potential role with the Devils is the fact that New Jersey has more than a handful of defensemen battling for two spots.

2010-11

This Canadian defenseman could one day provide the help on the blue line that Minnesota currently lacks. He played one game for the Wild last season, logging in 7:01 of ice time. However, in the minors, he has a knack for scoring. In 2006-07, 23-year-old registered 70 points. Last year, he had 18 goals and 52 points in 76 games for the Houston Aeros of the AHL. He'll start this season in the minors, but don't be surprised to see him playing for Minnesota at some point during the season. However, he hasn't done anything yet to make you want him on your team.